Oscar Bonavena,the famous boxer, had eight years as a leading contender in the heavyweight ranks taking on the best around including Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.Oscar Bonavena, the famous trotter, has already had seven years worth $1.2m against the best -and is in no mood to hang up any gloves.
A scintillating performance in a anti- climactic Inter Dominion Trotting Final means Oscar’s retirement, originally programmed to be about now, is postponed -at least until after another Dominion Handicap tilt in November.
“You could say that his last two races have been as good as any in his career” a thrilled Nathan Purdon said yesterday.
“He has run his last 400 on Saturday in the equivalent of 26. And this morning he didn’t turn a hair. So we will carry on at least through the spring.”
A shorter sprint horse capable of elite pacer- like fractions, Oscar hasn’t had things go his way in Brisbane in terms of race pace. Once Arcee Phoenix got to the front in the Final it was goodnight nurse for the tardy beginners out the back of the field-or anybody else come to that. Oscar, whose finishes are brilliant but starts somewhat problematical,was one of those.
“There wasn’t a lot Adam could do” Nathan said.
“Arcee Phoenix is a top horse and none in the field were prepared to risk taking him on and spoil their own chances”
The winner was copping quarters in over 30 in the middle stages and while Adam waited in vain for something to cart him into the race he knew Oscar’s closing speed is his greatest asset.
He ran up wide before the turn and was fairly flying the last 100 overhauling rivals with every stride and almost grabbing the second placing that had become his best option.
Unusually for Australian features, the dominance of horses who are able to command the lead means some of the races at this carnival have lacked the traditional mid race drama. Leap To Fame, an extraordinary horse unbeaten heats and finals in two Inter Dominion pacing campaigns is invincible in his present form and flogging a rival to only underline that class is not a great option for most.There have seldom been easier Final winners.
Oscar,possibly sounder now than at any time since much younger days, will follow his usual spring campaign with the Basil Dean FFA at Addington on August 22 possibly making appeal to the stable if Akuta heads south for the Maurice Holmes Vase at that time as planned.
Just like his namesake, who retired after 69 contests, wherever the next battle to fight, Oscar,who has had close to 90, will be there. Age most certainly does not wither